Two children electrocuted by exposed power cable in Buxar

Buxar: Two children died after coming into contact with an exposed high-voltage power cable in Khilafatpur village under the Mufassil police station area in Buxar district on Tuesday. The incident triggered widespread outrage with villagers blocking a road and staging a protest against the administration, the electricity department and the thermal power plant management.

According to locals, a live 440-volt power cable was lying exposed near a culvert beneath a road under construction close to the coal depot in Khilafatpur. While playing nearby, the two children accidentally came into contact with the live wire and died on the spot.

The victims were identified as Rohit Kumar (10), son of Dhondha Musahar, and Subhash Kumar (12), son of Dimagi Musahar. Both belonged to the Mahadalit settlement in the village.

Soon after the accident, a large number of villagers gathered at the site. Holding the electricity department and other agencies responsible for the tragedy, they brought the bodies back to the village and launched a protest.

The demonstrators later blocked the road near Chausa Yadav More Tir Muhani intersection, demanding compensation for the bereaved families and strict action against those responsible for the alleged negligence.

Traffic remained disrupted for around 30 minutes because of the blockade. On receiving information, police personnel and local public representatives reached the spot and persuaded the protesters to withdraw their agitation.

The blockade was lifted after officials assured the villagers of compensation and a thorough investigation into the incident.

Additional SHO Chandan Kumar said the necessary procedures were being completed to send both bodies for post-mortem examination.